“As much as you’re allowed to hear. The PM might delegate his duties, but I’m not about to breach confidentiality issues.”
“We’ll be taking a look at those guidelines.” He stood. “It’s a timewaste, having him fill me in after every briefing.”
She said, “Since we’re both here, I’ve a few issues.”
“Make them quick.” He was already reaching for his satchel.
“You’re concerned about the current whereabouts of Dr. Sophie de Greer.”
“That’s a question?”
“I understand you asked Oliver Nash to have my predecessor look into the matter.”
“The authority I wield comes from Number Ten. When I want things done, I don’t ask. I issue instructions.”
“That’s enlightening. But you might as well hear this from me first. Whatever fantasy you’ve concocted, the Service has no involvement, or interest, in Dr. de Greer’s whereabouts.”
“I’ll await Nash’s report. Anything else?”
“Yes. You were in Moscow last month. Who did you talk to?”
“A lot of people. Most of them Russians. They’re thick on the ground there, funnily enough.”
“Any topics of interest I should be made aware of?”
“Depends how interested you are in this country’s future. I was heading up a trade delegation. Keeping the beaches open.”
“。 . . I’m sorry?”
“An observation. The real hero of Jaws was the mayor, because he kept the beaches open. That’s what this government is doing. Keeping beaches open.”
“I’ve heard the PM say so,” said Diana. “It’s no huge surprise he got it from you. But the Russian I had in mind is called Vassily Rasnokov. He’s not on your appointment list, and he’s not your average beach bunny. Any contact with him, I should have known about.”
“You personally? What is he, your pen pal?”
“He’s First Desk at the GRU. Do you need me to explain what that is?”
He laughed, half a beat later than he should have done. “No. For Christ’s sake. Are you worried I’ve been recruited by the Russians? Don’t be fucking ridiculous.”
“But you’re aware that any approach made by a foreign intelligence service should be reported to Regent’s Park?”
“The regulations don’t apply. The occasion was a social one, a meet and greet, followed by dinner. There were many people present. Rasnokov and I didn’t exchange ten words.”
“Which were?”
“It was weeks ago. Can you remember social chitchat from weeks ago?”
“That’s the reason we require immediate debriefing after contact. And why the regulations aren’t open to individual interpretation.”
“Well, you’ve had your say, and I hope you feel better. Who told you about this so-called contact, anyway?”
“Vassily Rasnokov,” said Diana.
Sparrow blinked.
“During social chitchat.”
“He’s in the country?”
“He is. Do you think he came all this way to drop your name? I wouldn’t put it past him.”
Sparrow said, “Well, he’d hardly be likely to alert you to the fact that we’d met if he’d used the occasion to recruit me, would he?”
“That depends,” said Diana, “on whether or not he thought I already knew.”
“Word games. My advice would be to spend your remaining time as First Desk concentrating on the more important issues facing your Service.” He hoisted his satchel over one shoulder, and glanced at the cafetiere. “Is coffee always provided? I don’t remember giving that instruction.”
For a while after he left Diana remained seated, looking at the portraits of the queen. Perhaps, she thought, she should have let Sparrow know that Rasnokov had mentioned de Greer. His reaction would have been interesting. But there was no point second-guessing herself: she’d kept it up her sleeve, for later use. Besides, her phone was ringing.
“I was just thinking about you.”
“That gives me a warm feeling right down to my nuts,” Lamb said. He paused, and Diana heard a flick-and-flare. Deep inhale. “I’ve just been talking to your predecessor, who seems to imagine I’ve had a Swiss fortune-teller disappeared. Where do you suppose he got hold of that idea?”
“It’s possible someone’s been pulling his leg.”
“I’d try pulling theirs,” said Lamb, “but I’d worry it’d come clean off. Don’t know my own strength, that’s my trouble.”